Pronunciation: [ˈʌpɹa͡ɪt bˈe͡ɪs] (IPA) 
The term "upright bass" is often used to refer to the double bass, a large stringed instrument commonly used in jazz, classical, and popular music. Its spelling can be explained phonetically using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /ˈʌpraɪt beɪs/, where the stress is on the first syllable and the "ai" in "upright" is pronounced like the "i" in "bite". The "e" in "bass" is pronounced like the "a" in "bat".
The upright bass, also known as a double bass or contrabass, is a large and versatile string instrument belonging to the orchestral family. It is the largest and lowest-pitched instrument typically played standing upright or sitting on a stool. The upright bass consists of several key components: a long neck, a resonating wooden body, a soundboard or top plate, a bridge, four or five strings, and a tailpiece.
With its deep and rich tone, the upright bass serves a crucial role in many musical genres, including classical, jazz, folk, and rockabilly. It provides the foundation and rhythm in an ensemble, often playing bass lines, chord progressions, or melodic solos. Its size and range allow for great versatility and expression as players can use various plucking, bowing, or slapping techniques to produce different sounds and articulations.
To play the upright bass, the musician stands or sits while holding the instrument vertically against their body. The strings are typically played with the fingers using a method known as pizzicato, or with a bow made of horsehair to create a smoother and sustained sound. Upright bass players use their left hand to press the strings against the fingerboard to change pitch.
The upright bass has a long and storied history, originating in the 16th century and evolving over time to its present form. It remains an essential instrument in orchestras, jazz bands, and smaller ensembles, valued for its powerful resonance and immense presence in the musical realm.
The word "upright bass" is composed of two parts: "upright" and "bass".
The term "upright" has its origin in the Old English word "upryht", which meant "directly upwards", "perpendicular", or "vertical". It evolved from the combination of the prefix "up-" meaning "up" and "riht" meaning "straight" or "right". Over time, "upright" came to describe something that was positioned vertically or erect.
The word "bass" has a different etymology. It stems from the Middle English word "bas", which refers to the lowest voice or part in music. It originated from the Old French "basse" and ultimately comes from the Latin word "bassus" meaning "low" or "low-toned".
